Paddy Pimblett has his sights set on more than just the interim title at UFC 324.
‘The Baddy’ is headlining the promotion’s debut event on Paramount+, where he’ll fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt.
The interim title was introduced after Ilia Topuria, who moved up from featherweight, became inactive following his win over Max Holloway.
Pimblett is already looking past Gaethje. He plans to unify the belts by defeating Topuria and then move up to pursue a second championship.
Paddy Pimblett believes he could beat Islam Makhachev at welterweight
Pimblett started his title journey at featherweight with Cage Warriors and is now eyeing success across three different weight classes.
After his lightweight campaign, he has plans to pursue the welterweight crown too. The division is currently ruled by Islam Makhachev, who’s also in the conversation for greatest of all time at 155 pounds.
Makhachev claimed that title with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena last November at UFC 322. But even after that performance, Pimblett still backs himself in a potential fight against the Dagestani at 170 pounds.
“Everyone has a weakness,” Pimblett said when asked about his chances of defeating Makhachev while speaking exclusively to Bloody Elbow via Casino Guru.
“It’s just game-planning properly to find it. But me and my team, we always do it.
“We get the game plan and we beat whoever it is in front of us,” he added.
Paddy Pimblett hints at smooth weight cut ahead of UFC 324
Known for the size he puts on between fights, Pimblett shouldn’t have any issues stepping into the cage as a solid welterweight.
Pimblett’s tendency to bulk up has led to concerns about his long-term future at lightweight and whether his body can handle repeated cuts.
Even so, he continues to make weight each time. This most recent cut seems to have been one of his easiest yet.
“I’ve still got weight to lose but I’ve got less weight to lose now than I did have 12 hours before I fought Michael Chandler,” Pimblett told CBS Sports at the start of fight week.
“So I’m flying, I’m absolutely flying.”
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